Two Laredo troopers were recognized for their life-saving efforts during the Public Safety Commission meeting in Austin, the Texas Department of Public Safety announced on Friday.
Troopers Steven Olivares and Armando Hernandez Jr. were each honored with the Lifesaving Award.
Olivares' case unfolded on April 16, 2024. He saw an ambulance with its emergency lights and sirens activated. As the ambulance attempted to make a left turn, it crashed with a semi-truck, authorities said.
Olivares quickly placed his patrol unit in a position to block traffic and protect the two paramedics in the ambulance from another potential crash.
Olivares checked on the ambulance's driver. He then went to the passenger, who was halfway out of her seat with a deep laceration to her right arm. She was bleeding profusely, DPS said.
Olivares removed the tourniquet from his duty belt and applied it to her arm to stop further blood loss. He continued rendering aid until medical air support arrived.
Hernandez's case unfolded on March 6.
Hernandez responded to an active vehicle pursuit of a suspected human smuggler. Two men were thrown out of the vehicle as it rolled over and crashed after spikes were deployed, DPS said.
The driver tried to flee, but Hernandez caught up to him. Hernandez then returned to check on the males who were ejected, authorities.
"Trooper Hernandez realized he was the only Spanish speaker on the scene who could effectively communicate with the subjects. One subject was bleeding from his leg due to a compound fracture, and Trooper Hernandez immediately applied a tourniquet to control the bleeding," DPS said.
Hernandez then served as an interpreter for EMS to conduct a proper medical assessment, and the male was transported to a local hospital for further medical treatment.
DPS Director Steven McCraw recognized the service of the troopers along with the service of several other people during the meeting.
"It is a privilege to be able to honor the exceptional dedication and courage displayed by these outstanding members of our department and community," McCraw said.
"Their commitment to public safety and service exemplifies the highest standard of excellence. They truly understand the importance of safety in our communities and across our state."